Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Things are still looking up!

First of all, we received our results back from the scans and tests that were taken for Baby McGrew and they were NEGATIVE!! We couldn't be more excited about this. We can rest a little easier now and truly enjoy this pregnancy with a positive outlook. We'll be finding out the sex in just one week!! :)

We also received a VERY generous anonymous donation in the amount of $5,000 for Maddie's Footprints!!! This is incredibe and will give us a great jump-start to starting the new organization. We are hoping to have our first big fundraiser in April or May, so I'll be keeping you guys posted on that. David also designed our website and it's up and running now so check it out: http://www.maddiesfootprints.org/. It looks great - thanks Dave!!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Hello 2010!!!

Goodbye 2009 and Hello 2010! The year 2009 has been a real bumpy one for us, our families and for a great deal of our friends. It seemed as though everywhere we turned, there were more negative things happening all around us. Well for 2010, I am trying to have a much better attitude. I usually don't really give much thought to the changing of the years (except where we're going for New Year's Eve), but since this one has been a little rough, I've tried to really focus on the positive things. Surprisingly - there are actually many of them! So here are just a few:
  • We welcomed our first great-nephew (Cohen James) and our first great-niece (Mya Noelle) to the family. They are both beautiful and healthy babies and we are so happy that the family is extending!
  • My faith in God is stronger than it has ever been. While of course that relationship always needs improvement - I feel that it has reached another level this year.
  • While we've always known that our families are the best ever, we have realized it even more this year. They have been there for us every step of the way and we are so fortunate to have them as our family.
  • Our relationships with our friends are stronger than ever. I guess the saying is true: When you are going through rough times, you always know who your true friends are. We have such a tight group who have helped us through this year and we have even made some more friends this year who it seems like we've known forever. They are all truly like a second family to us.
  • Although we miss Mama more than anything, it warms my heart to know that she was finally reunited with the love of her life, Granddad, and the baby that she lost so many years ago, Roger Wayne. If you knew Mama, you heard her talk about Elvis, her late husband. After him passing so many years ago, you could tell she just loved him so much and now she is finally laughing with him again. Ohhhh.....that laugh of hers - I sure do miss it!
  • And just seven months ago today, Travis and I witnessed the most beautiful miracle - the birth of our first child, Madeline Noelle McGrew. Of course it was a sad moment, however, it was still just amazing to be a part of such a beautiful moment. To hold her in my arms was the proudest and best moment I've ever had in my life. Of course we miss her and not a day goes by where we don't think of her a million times, but she still did bring joy to our lives and she has taught us so much.
  • The idea came about to start our non-profit organization, Maddie's Footprints. We had our first board meeting and first successful fundraiser!
  • I believe that our marriage is stronger than it has ever been. (Yes, I know it's only been four years - but we have been together for 10 years - so I think we get to start counting from then. Haha! Just kidding.) But seriously, just when I think that things are great and I'm so happy in my marriage, things seem to get even better. The year 2009 and God has played a big role in that too. While reading and researching about parents who lose their babies, everywhere you turn it says how marriages can break up over these things - which is quite understandable! It completely terrified me on top of everything else. However, God has turned us towards each other instead of away from each other and it has been the #1 thing that has kept me going.

So, we obviously have a great deal to be thankful for this past year, and I'm still so hopeful for so many more things to come in 2010:

  • We have a healthy and happy baby born this year.
  • We are able to welcome another healthy and happy niece or nephew this year (Hint, hint Dave and Jenn)
  • All of our friends who have decided to begin their families - that they too enjoy the miracle of pregnancy and have healthy babies!
  • Our relationships with God, family, friends and each other continue to grow throughout the year.
  • Our families are rid of any sickness and become healthy again.
  • Our friends who are getting married have the weddings that they dreamed of and have long, happy marriages.
  • That all of our friends find true love (if they haven't already).
  • Maddie's Footprints has several successful events and fundraisers and helps our very first family!!

I'm sure there is much more I'm forgetting - but I won't bore you with anymore. We love all of you and thank you for being such a great part of our lives! We hope that 2010 is the best year yet for us all!!